Buckinghamshire’s ‘Graduated Approach’ to early SEN support

Buckinghamshire has just launched its Graduated Approach to SEND which sets out a clear step by step plan of action and intervention for all children and young people with a special educational need or disability.

What is the Graduated Approach?

The Graduated Approach has been introduced in line with the SEN Code of Practice (2015) and the principle of Early Support. It aims to ensure all children and young people with an SEND receive an appropriate education, one that is appropriate to their needs, promotes high standards and the fulfilment of potential.

Three tiers of support in the Graduated Approach

Tier 1: Universal Support - for all children and young people
Personalised and differentiated approaches should be available to all children and young people. Those with special educational needs and disabilities will also benefit from these approaches.

Tier 2: Early SEND Support - for children and young people requiring more targeted support
For some children and young people these approaches will not be sufficient to meet their special educational needs and disabilities and they will require more focused and targeted support and intervention.  These are referred to as ‘Early Support for SEND’ approaches.

Tier 3: Continuing SEN Support - for children and young people requiring a higher level of support and intervention
Relatively few children and young people will need a much higher level of support and intervention.  These are referred to as ‘Continuing Support for SEND’ approaches.

Intervention guidance - Graduated Approach

Intervention guidance documents following the principles of the Graduated Approach are available on the Buckinghamshire Family Information Service website. It is important for all schools and staff with a responsibility for SEND to familiarise themselves with the documents on how the Graduated Approach should work.

View the intervention guidance documents (BFIS website)

Principles and processes - Graduated Approach

Graduated Approach principles and processes (BFIS website)

Local Offer

More Information with regards to Special Educational Needs (SEN) is available on the Buckinghamshire Family Information Service Local Offer.

You will be able to locate all the forms you will need with regards to pupils with SEN. You will also be able to clarify which SEN Officer is attached to your school to help you if required.

Buckinghamshire Family Information Services Local Offer(Opens in a new window)